CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Incidents of shoplifting are up nation-wide since the pandemic according to the National Retail Federation. The group, along with with the Loss Prevention Research Council, surveyed retailers and found retailers saw a 93% increase in the average number shoplifting incidents per year since 2019.
But some small businesses can experience even more of a loss.
TV9 spoke to the owner of Next Page Books in NewBo, Bart Carithers. He says he makes sure to be highly aware of his surroundings anytime anyone comes into the store.
“I think first and foremost I just try to be vigilant, I try to be aware of when customers are here and when they’re moving about. Not that I’m looking over people’s shoulders, but I just want to know where people are and what they’re up to,” said Carithers.
He went on to say he is confident the community’s intentions are good when coming …